Exhibits: Section 4

Stone votive relief showing Hermes, Hera and Zeus

Votive relief dated between the 3rd c. BC and the 3rd c AD. It was found in Psalida, Kastoria. The relief preserves the fragmented depiction of three deities. From the left to the right, we see Hermes wearing a short chiton and holding a pouch and his herald’s staff- identified as a divine messenger or the god of trade, Hera holding a vessel to her right hand (probably a phiale) a rectangular altar and finally, Zeus holding a tall scepter with his right hand. To the right, lower edge lies a small eagle, the sacred bird of Zeus, with his winds open. To the left of Zeus’ head is an engraved inscription: Δ_ _ ΙΛΙΠ _ _ _ Ο _ _ _ ΑΙ ΑΠ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Ω What is of interest, is the location where the relief was found, on top of the mountain peak, called Vigla or Psalida, on top of the site of the ancient Keletron. According to the archaeologist X. Tsouggaris, on top of Psalida, there was an altar dedicated to the Gods. This argument is also supported by the various reliefs, votives and everyday objects found in this site, also displayed in the “Gods above the city” section. We do not know in which of his many epithets and attributes Zeus was worshipped here. It seems likely, though, that he was venerated here as the lord of the weather and protector of the plain, which is still exposed to late cold snaps and summer droughts.